Northern Petroleum to Spud Markwells Wood-1

Northern Petroleum is shortly to commence drilling the Markwells
Wood -1 well to test a target with a mean potential independently assessed at
35.0 million barrels of oil in place, with an upside potential of 61.4 million
barrels with a ten percent probability. The drilling equipment is currently
moving onto the site.

The location is between the Horndean and Singleton producing oil fields and is
assessed to be an extension of the former. The final measured depth will be
6009 ft (1831m) at a true vertical depth of 4528 ft (1380m). Electric logs will
be run to evaluate their well potential.

Northern is committed to be a good neighbour to the local community and
conducting its operations to very high standards of safety, health and
reduction of environmental impact.

Derek Musgrove, Managing Director, commented "The commercial case for drilling
Markwells Wood -1 is compelling when the price level of oil is above $80 per
barrel for Brent crude oil. The independent consultants RPS Energy report in
February 2010 assessed the Markwells Wood recoverable Proven plus Probable oil
reserves at 5.7 million barrels and stated a value of 24.75m based on an $80
oil price for our 50% interest in Markwells Wood.

Whilst we see greater potential in Italy and The Netherlands, it is important
that we are pursuing and realising shareholder value for the oil discoveries at
Markwells Wood, Baxters' Copse and Hedge End. If we are not offered the value
of the UK assets through a sale, then we will realise the value by drilling and
producing the assets."